Preparations Underway for Pope Francis’ Funeral and Conclave
Vatican City: Preparations are well underway at the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis and the subsequent papal conclave. Sources indicate that the conclave, during which the College of Cardinals will elect the next pope, is expected to commence only after May 6.
In the meantime, tens of thousands of faithful continue to arrive in St. Peter’s Square to pay their final respects. On the most recent day alone, over 61,000 people registered to attend the public events surrounding the funeral.
World leaders from across the globe are set to attend the funeral, including President Droupadi Murmu of India and President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland.
A gathering of 113 cardinals was held to discuss logistical and ceremonial details related to both the funeral and the conclave. It was agreed that the first meditation—a traditional period of reflection prior to the election—will be led on Monday by Fr. Donato Ogliari, an Italian abbot. This session will include time for informal discussions among the cardinals before the voting begins. The second meditation, marking the formal start of the conclave, will be delivered by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household.
The Vatican has also confirmed that the public will be permitted to visit the late pontiff’s tomb at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore beginning the morning after the funeral. Located approximately four kilometers from St. Peter’s Basilica, the church was specifically chosen by Pope Francis in his final wishes as the site of his burial.
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